Kayley, a senior at NYU from New York City, first joined Kode With Klossy with curiosity and a love for science—but little confidence in her coding skills. Though she had taken a college-affiliated intro to computer science course in high school, it was Kode With Klossy that shifted her perspective on what tech could be and who it was for. “It wasn’t just coding,” she says, “it was joy.” One of the most defining moments in Kayley’s coding journey came when she re-connected with her instructor assistant from the summer, another KWK alumni, who was taking the same CS course, who provided community and support in a space that had otherwise felt hostile. Seeing someone just a few years older advocate for her, cheer her on, and model what it looked like to belong in tech was transformative. “The only reason I was able to take that class was because of her,” Kayley shares. That one advocate made all the difference—and now Kayley strives to be that person for others. Kayley was an IA for KWK’s 2-day program, Code-A-Bration, and found one clear differentiator from the male-dominated STEM environments she’d experienced before: “It wasn’t just coding, it was joy.” What makes Kayley’s story stand out is not just her technical skill, but her creativity. She’s used code in unexpected, imaginative ways—from designing databases and building websites to wiring a Batman helmet with LED lights and sensors to mimic superhero tech. For her, coding isn’t just about functionality—it’s about expression, experimentation, and storytelling. Whether she’s leading workshops, building community-centered projects, or pitching professors on adding voices like Joy Buolamwini’s to their syllabi, Kayley’s work is rooted in the belief that technology should reflect the full spectrum of human experience. Kode With Klossy continues to shape how Kayley approaches tech, education, and equity. It’s where she first felt comfortable asking questions, failing forward, and building alongside others who were just as eager to imagine new futures. It’s also where she learned that the most powerful kind of learning happens when we stop trying to fit into someone else’s idea of tech—and start creating our own.